The 2001–02Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' 23rdseason in the NHL, and they were coming off a 39–28–12–3 record in 2000–01, earning 93 points, the highest point total the Oilers had achieved since the 1987–88 season, when they earned 99 points. The Oilers would meet the Dallas Stars in the opening round of the playoffs, and lose in 6 games.

Despite the loss of Weight, the Oilers got off to a great start, and on December 16, they sat at the top of the Northwest Division with 43 points. Edmonton would then slump, going 9–16–7–1 in their next 33 games to drop them out of the playoff picture. The club would then go on a 9 game unbeaten streak, and despite finishing the year with a 38–28–12–4 record, good for 90 points, they would miss the playoffs for the first time since 1996, finishing 2 points behind the 8th place Vancouver Canucks.

Offensively, Edmonton-born Mike Comrie led the club with 33 goals and 60 points, while Anson Carter scored 28 goals and also earn 60 points. Ryan Smyth earned 50 points in only 61 games. Janne Niinimaa led the club with 39 assists, and led the defense with 44 points. Georges Laraque provided the club toughness, earning 157 penalty minutes.

In goal, Tommy Salo would have arguably the best season ever by an Oilers goaltender, winning 30 games and posting a club record 2.22 GAA, and earning 5 shutouts. The 182 goals the Oilers allowed was a club record for fewest in a season, and the second lowest total in the NHL during the season.